​So this has never happened, I’ll admit it. For a few minutes tonight, I thought I hadn’t done my research. There’s no way it could have been happening. The website, the music catalog, etc. From the way they present themselves online, Chestnut Grove would have you believing they’re a sweet family folk band. Jaunty tunes, raspy, yet easy voices. Not a Dave Matthews, but along those lines.

Chestnut Grove is a 5-piece band from Perkiomenville, PA. All 5 players were in constant motion, like they’d spent the week trapped in a tour van, waiting to stretch their legs. But they weren’t a sweet family folk band, and their trip wasn’t as long as their headliner’s, Wild Adriatic, who originate in New York – Chestnut Grove’s trek was probably about 20 minutes. James took the lead on the song Whiskey Hand, which sounds the siren of a man who’s about to start swinging. On the other spectrum is crowd favorite Angry Beaver with its ode to childhood, beginning with a harmony reminiscent of that of an ice cream man. This band has range and a mature sound that has you believing they’re well into their thirties with the way they tear down the stage.

Also, did I happen to miss something? The Sellersville Theater felt like a homecoming for the somewhat local but not quite A-list band: the audience happened to know every song, and I was informed by a man that the band moves tickets in a very word of mouth fashion. At least that’s how he got his ticket. Everyone in the room knew the words, blowing away my own notions of an opening act’s popularity. The audience had been treated to a pulse of pure folk, and I was personally served a heaping of surprise. It didn’t stop there.

After the first two songs, Dee stepped up to the plate, which was news to me – I didn’t expect to see her hop out from behind the drums and maintain the group’s energy. And Dee is not your typical woman. I first saw her as this kind, polite person, offering Jolly Ranchers from behind the merchandise table. Dressed in bright red pants and a shirt that reads, “Did You Boscov Today?”, she’d strike you as colorfully thrifty. When you toss in some foot work that resembles the King, I’d say we have ourselves a Punk Elvis, everybody. Picture Presley’s “Hound Dog” video set to color, and most that color is red. Do not mess with Dee...she may dance you to dust.

Chestnut Grove released the group’s EP Let It Down on January 24th. I still have Whiskey Hand on replay, but I will need the real thing again very soon. You can expect the group back in town on February 25th, when they play Boot and Saddle in South Philadelphia and at Kings Rook Club in Erie. It’s been a long while since I was this excited to see a band, and I can’t wait until the next time around.